Backgrounder

When insiders protect online gambling

Just as President Prabowo Subianto transformed the communications and information ministry into the Communications and Digital Ministry to improve digital governance in the country, the police have arrested a number of officials at the new ministry for their alleged role in online gambling.

SOEs superholding Danantara launch delayed, uncertainty looms

The launch of Indonesia's newly formed investment authority, Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara), initially set for November 7, has been delayed due to President Prabowo Subianto's concurrent visit to China. Danantara is now expected to launch upon the President's return, likely at the end of November. However, questions linger about the clarity of Danantara's purpose and the implications of its establishment on Indonesia's existing investment entities.

Edition

November 8, 2024

Jokowi’s hand detected in graft probe against ex-minister

Joko "Jokowi" Widodo may have ceased to be president as of Oct. 20, but he apparently still exercises some power and influence over the new government, as evidenced by the corruption prosecution against Thomas Lembong, who briefly served as his trade minister.

Political appointees helm Pertamina amid grandiose energy ambitions

Gerindra politician Simon Aloysius Mantiri was recently appointed as the new CEO of state-owned oil and gas holding company Pertamina, followed by two other Gerindra politicians on the board of commissioners, one of them as chief commissioner. Their appointments reflect a change of Pertamina's leadership from being led by professionals to now being dominated by political figures, which raises concerns.

Edition

November 1, 2024

Prabowo opts for military discipline in preparing his cabinet

Following their inauguration, members of President Prabowo Subianto's Red and White Cabinet joined a boot camp at the Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java, which was aimed at building a team spirit before they started working together. It was claimed the retreat was important to create a shared understanding among the plus-size cabinet to stay in tune with Prabowo's governing vision.

Prabowo demands rescue of bankrupt Sritex

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered his ministers to rescue publicly listed PT Sri Rejeki Isman (Sritex), the biggest textile company in Southeast Asia, after a commercial court in Semarang, Central Java, declared bankruptcy. Sritex's rescue comes after a sequence of downfalls of many other textile companies.

Edition

October 25, 2024

Prabowo’s cabinet too big to fail

Just after his inauguration, President Prabowo Subianto unveiled his cabinet lineup, demonstrating his accommodative attitude. With most political parties, not to mention organizations like Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, represented in the cabinet, the Prabowo administration looks set to go unopposed in drafting and implementing policies.

Sri Mulyani’s reappointment sparks excitement and compromise

Sri Mulyani Indrawati was once again appointed finance minister under newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto, making her the first to serve under three different presidents, despite her and Prabowo's initial reluctance. As Sri Mulyani remains in her position, Prabowo will have to compromise and delay his plan to establish a national revenue collection agency.